A number of female Umpire Managers in Europe received a call, that they were needed!

Needed, to attend a seminar to be coached/briefed etc., in the job as a UM.

Some of the participants were new to this and some had more experience.

Those who attended were: Karen Eppel (IRL), Claire Kelly (IRL, Brigitte Sedy (AUT), Jackie Gibbs (ENG), Liz Pelling (ENG), Karen Evans (WAL), Lisette Klaassen (NED), Rita Delen (SUI), Tatyana Kaltypan (UKR).

The course was directed by three very experienced and talented FIH Umpires Managers. The leader of this ‘group’ was Yolande Brada and there were contributions from Peter von Reth and Henrik ‘Spikey’ Ehlers.

It all started on Friday evening, there was an extensive programme and workshops arranged. The topics varied from FIH UM job description to the UM’s roll before, during and after a tournament.

We were all very delighted that the new President of the EHF Marijke Fleuren (pictured right) came to welcome us, as did Carola Meyer – Chair of the Appointments Committee. We also were delighted to see the FIH Chairman of the Umpires Committee, Ermanno Silvano

On Saturday the seminar continued with presentations and workshops on topics such as: the appointments systems at tournaments, how to make a briefing that you would give at a tournament, how to debrief and coach umpires and also the new marking system.

The presentations during the seminar by Yolande, Peter and ‘Spikey’ were super, with some new ideas using various links to video and photos etc.

The weekend was not all just work, work, work! There was lots of time for all of us to get to know each other and share a few stories!

On behalf of everyone who took part, I would like to take this opportunity in thanking them for a ‘GREAT’ weekend.

Karen Eppel (IRL)